Gertrude Stein, an American novelist, poet, and playwright, was a significant figure of the early 20th century literary world. Born February 3, 1874, Stein’s life and works were nothing short of captivating, leading her to become a trailblazer for the Lost Generation. The Lost Generation, a term coined by Stein herself, referred to the generation that came of age during World War I and was characterized by a sense of disillusionment and skepticism towards traditional values and norms.
Stein’s work was largely experimental, often exploring the abstraction of language and the idea of consciousness. Her most famous work, The Making of Americans, is an extensive novel spanning over 900 pages that delves into the complexities of human nature and society. This novel, like much of Stein’s other work, was groundbreaking in its approach to narrative and structure, pushing the boundaries of what literature could be.
Beyond her literary contributions, Stein was also known for her Paris salon, where she hosted prominent artists and writers such as Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. This gathering space became an incubator for modernist ideas and creativity, with Stein at the center as a mentor and muse.
In addition to being a literary innovator, Gertrude Stein was also a trailblazer in her personal life. She lived openly as a lesbian at a time when homosexuality was largely stigmatized and criminalized. Her relationship with Alice B. Toklas was not only significant in her personal life but also influenced much of her work.
To conclude, Gertrude Stein’s captivating life and works significantly influenced the trajectory of 20th-century literature. She was a beacon for the Lost Generation, setting new trends in literature through her experimental writing style and championing modernist ideas in her Paris salon. Her courage to live authentically as a lesbian in a time of great prejudice further underscores her role as a trailblazer. Gertrude Stein’s legacy continues to inspire and influence writers and artists today.
Sacred Emily
Argonauts.
That is plenty.
Cunning saxon symbol.
Symbol of beauty.
Thimble of everything.
Cunning clover thimble.
Cunning of everything.
Cunning of thimble.
Cunning cunning.
Place in pets.
Night town.
Night town a glass.
Color mahogany.
Color mahogany center.
Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose.
Loveliness extreme.
Extra gaiters.
Loveliness extreme.
Sweetest ice-cream.
Page ages page ages page ages.
Wiped Wiped wire wire.
Sweeter than peaches and pears and cream.
Wiped wire wiped wire
Extra extreme.
Put measure treasure.
Measure treasure.
Tables track.
Nursed.
Dough.
That will do.
Cup or cup or.
Excessively illigitimate.
Pussy pussy pussy what what.
Current secret sneezers.
Ever.
Mercy for a dog.
Medal make medal.
Able able able.
A go to green and a letter spoke a go to green or praise or
Worships worships worships.
Door.
Do or.
Table linen.
Wet spoil.
Wet spoil gaiters and knees and little spools little spools or ready silk lining.
Suppose misses misses.
Curls to butter.
Curls.
Curls.
Settle stretches.
See at till.
Louise.
Sunny.
Sail or.
Sail or rustle.
Mourn in morning.
The way to say.
Patter.
Deal own a.
Robber.
A high b and a perfect sight.
Little things singer.
Jane.
Aiming.
Not in description.
Day way.
A blow is delighted.
-Gertrude Stein, born February 3, 1874 in Allegheny, Pennsylvania
Curated by Jennifer
